Our beloved angelic mother, Gayla Jean Anderson was united with her eternal companion Robert E. Anderson on April 5, 2019.

Gayla Jean Rice was born to Basil and Zina Rice on January 20, 1928 in Tooele, Utah. She spent much of her youth in various towns throughout Caribou and Bear Lake counties. She enjoyed many happy adventures with cousins and relatives on the family farm in Wooly Valley. She was always of the opinion "The more the merrier."

Gayla was reared and educated in Soda Springs, Idaho where she graduated from Soda Springs High. After writing to Bob during his tenure in the Navy, they later decided to elope to Boise, Idaho. They were married at an aunt's home on March 22, 1947. Later they were sealed with their children in the Logan LDS temple in 1966.

Their union was blessed with 3 children Robert Gene, Steven Ray and Susan. Gayla was also grandmother to 12 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. She loved all of her grand and great grandchildren and couldn't wait for them to visit and visit again and again. She was truly an extraordinary Grandma.

Gayla was an amazingly talented woman. She could plow a field, milk a cow and feed the chickens. She was a gracious hostess and was happiest when she had a house full of company and lots of people to feed. She was an excellent seamstress and quilter. She was also an awesome cook and baker. She wrote poetry and was an avid reader. Gayla loved to camp, fish and hunt, spending many hours with friends and family on trips with their trailer house.

Ever generous with her time, she donated over 2500 hours of service as a pink lady, sewing, singing and visiting with patients. She served as a judge during elections. Gayla always accompanied her husband while he fulfilled his civic duties. She was also a member of the Red Hats and Homemakers clubs.

As an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, she served as a Relief Society President, YW President, cub scout leader, primary teacher and devoted visiting teacher.

Gayla was called home at the age of 91, after a courageous battle with many challenges over the last year. She left behind her sons Robert G. (Wendy) of Erda, Utah, Steven R. (Kathleen) of Parker, Colorado, daughter Susan (Lynn) of Idaho Falls, Idaho and sister Nedra Woodruff of Meridian, Mississippi.

Those to precede her were her parents, husband, infant daughter, grandson, Jason Anderson, granddaughter, Molly Anderson and brother Leonard Rice.

Our sincere thanks and love to her sister, Nedra, who put her life on hold, while she cared for our mother over the last year of her life. We appreciate her devotion and matchless service.

A special thank you, to Dr. John Franson, the nursing staff and physicians at Caribou Memorial Hospital. We are grateful to Encompass Hospice and personnel, especially nurse Kebra who cared for our mother through her last days.

Services will be held on Tuesday, April 9 at 11 a.m. at the Soda Springs LDS Stake Center. Family will visit with friends on Monday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the Sims Funeral Home and on Tuesday morning from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Church prior to services. Burial will be in the Fairview Cemetery in Soda Springs.

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